Pakistani home cook wins top honour at UK National Curry Week

LONDON: Emerging cooking talent Sunia Imran has been named the Champion of the UK National Curry Week Cook-Off 2025, earning national recognition for her creativity, precision, and celebration of authentic Pakistani and South Asian flavours.

The UK National Curry Week Cook-Off brought together six of Britain’s most promising home cooks. The contest was judged by celebrated culinary figures from MasterChef, The Great British Menu, and acclaimed UK restaurants. National Curry Week, launched in 1998, celebrates Britain’s long-standing love affair with curry and the chefs who bring its rich traditions to life.

Held live in London’s Covent Garden, the competition consisted of five challenging rounds, each one testing creativity, skill, and composure under pressure.

Contestants were given surprise recipes to recreate, with one participant eliminated after each round.

Judges praised her for her refined yet soulful approach to South Asian cuisine, noting her exceptional balance of flavours, technical finesse, and elegant presentation. “Sunia’s food reflects passion, heart and heritage,” the judges said.

“She brings authenticity to every dish while adding her own creative twist. Her confidence, passion, skill, and consistency stood out from start to finish.”

As the newly crowned Cook-Off Champion, she received a £1,000 cash prize, which she donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Speaking to Geo News after her win, Sunia described the experience as both “challenging and inspiring.”

She said: “Cooking has always been about connecting people and bringing families together. Winning this award is an honour, but more than that, it’s a reminder of how food brings communities together.

I’ve loved cooking since childhood. Growing up in Lahore, our home was always filled with good food and laughter.